Stone cutting and handling apparatus



E. C. MORGAN.

STONE CUTTING AND HANDLING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 13. |919.

E. C. MORGAN.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. I3. 1919. y

Patented Feb. 10,1920.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

STONE CUTTING/IND HANDLING APPARATUS.

E. C. MORGAN.

STONE CUTTING AND HANDLING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION EILED MAR. I3 99.

3 sHEETs-sHEEr 3.

Patented Feb. 10, 1920.

Wil/Anissa S5.

U'EE

EDIVIUND C. MORGAN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y

STONE CUTTING AND HANDLJNG APPRATUS.

insonni.

Specification of Letters Patent.

yatented Feb. 10, 1920.

Continuation of application Serial No. 767,140, filed May 12, i913. This application iled March 13, 1919.

` Serial No. 282,489.

their cut positions in the mine to other positions where they can act as roof props in accordance with the method oi mining described and claimed in my cepending application Ser. No. 187,708, filed August 22, 1917, Jfor a method of mining.

The object of the invention is to provide improved and eiiicient apparatus of this type and particularly adapted for carrying` out the method described and claimed in said copending application.

@ther objects or' the invention will appear hereinafter, the novel features and combinations being set forth in the appended claims.

in the accompanying drawings- 'Figure 1 is a plan view of the entire apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a 'section el,evaticnftaken on the line A-B of Fig. 1, with two of the channel-ing machines removed to obtain a clearer view ci the other parts of the apparatus;

Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the entire apparatus, having a section line C-I on which Fig. 2 is taken;

Fig. 4i is a sectional view of a portion ci the apparatus ta :en on the line lil-F oiV l? S looking in the direction of the arrows.

is sectional view of a portion oi the channelingv machine 11 taken on the line M-N looking in the direction indicated by the arrows on Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is an end view of. the cylinder 116 taken on the line l-L looking in the direc'- tien indicated by the arrows on Fig. 1;

Fia'. 7 is a sectional view oi Fig. 6 taken on the line looking in the direction indicated by the arrows, and

8 is a sectional view taken on the line P looking in the direction indicated by the arrows on Fig. 2.

Similar characters of reference designate like parts in all ot the views of the drawmegs.

rihe apparatus disclosed in the drawings is particularly adapted to reduce the overlying strata, or stratum, as the case may be, of a mineral vein in the form of blocks, each of a predetermined size, and to trans Vier such blocks topositions where they may be placed to form pillars between the ioor and roeil of the mine, the mineral having` been first removed alongthe working face a suilicient depth to permit the removal ci row of blocks of the desired size along the working; iace.

A. suitable track is laid along the working` face ci the mine. Two trucks 5 and 6 are adapted to run on this track, power propulsion being pro ided for this purpose means of the electric motor 7 geared to one oi the axles of the truck 5, as shown in Fig. 2. rifhe two trucks 5 and 6 may be coupled together by means ci the link 8 and hook 9, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, so that the truck 5 wiil serve as a locomotive for the truck 6. if independent propulsion ci the truck 6 is desired, a motor similar to Fig. 7 may be applied to the said truck 6. A screw clamp 10 arranged to engage one or the rails of the track, is carried by the truck 5 to anchor it against vibration. This screw clamp is clearly shown in Fig. 3 as coniprisingl a bracket rigidly connected to the truck 5 and a screw-threaded rod ex tending through a threaded openingin the relatively movable element of the clamp, a wheel being` relied upon te turn the screw- 'hreaded roo se as te move the relatively movable elementA against the inner side of the rail head while the bracket grips the outer side ci the rail head, as shown in Fig. 3. Adjust-ably mounted on the truck 5 in cooperative relation to each other, are three complete channeling` machines, 11, 12 and 13, as sh wn in Figs. 1 and 3, the channeling machine 11 being more clearly shown in Fig. l, although it is also shown in Fig. 2. 'Liese channelingg` machines may be of any one of' sei-.feral well-known and reliable manufacturers now on the market, some of which are operated by compressed air and others by electric power. The channeling` machines which 1 have shown are operated by electric motors. These channeling' machines beine` of well-known structure, 1 have only shown such details are necessary for feeding` and adjustment. A description ci the details of one of these channelingr machines will be -suiiicient, because they are all alike. The moiuitings, however, of the channeling machines, on the truck 5, are different and each will be described separately.

Referring to the channeling machine 11, shown in Fig. 1, it will be seen that the reference number 15 designates the main frame having a mounting stud bolt 16. rlhe frame 15 is provided with a suitable slideway 17 in which is mounted a sliding supplemental frame 13 carrying the channeling tools 19 and the electric motor 2O for operating the channeling tools. Mounted on the motor shaft 21, as shown Vin Fig. 2, is a worm 22 which meshes with the worm wheel 23. The worm wheel 23 is provided with a long hub the ends of which are journaled in the bearings 24 and 25 on the sliding` supplemental frame 13. er square hole is formed lengthwise through the center of the worm wheel by extending through the said hub which rotates with the worm wheel in the bearings 24 and 25. Through the square hole extends a shaft 26 square in cross section, with the ends thereof cylindrical to fit in the bearings 27 and 2S in the main frame 15, as shown in Fig. 1.

One end of the shaft 26 extends beyond the bearing28 and has keyed. to it a pinion 29 which is provided with a crank pin 30 carrying a pawl 31. Mounted in suitable bearings in the frame 15 is a threaded shaft 32 which has formed at its rear end a hand crank 33, and has a ratchet wheel keyed to it adjacent said crank, and arranged to be engaged by the pawl 31. rlfhe threaded shaft 32 extends through a threaded opening in the supplemental sliding frame 18.

Pivotally mounted at 35 on the frame 15, is a gear wheel 3G, as shown in Fig. 3. This gear wheel 3G meshes with the pinion 29 and is driven thereby. The gear 36 is provided with a slot 37, for receiving a bearing pin 38 having a handle at one end, as shown more clearly in Fig. 4. rlhe bearing pin 38 extends through the slot 37 and may be rigidly secured at various points along said slot by means of the nut 39. er pitman 4() is connected to the bearing pin 33. r)This pitman comprises a bar or link 41 'and bearings 42, 43 and pins 44, 45, to form pivotal connections at the ends of the link.

From the channeling tools to the stud bolt 16 and pitman 40, the channeling machines are all alike. On the channeling machine 12, the frame 46, the `vertical bolt 47, and the pitman 43 correspond respectivelj,Y to the frame 15, bolt 16 and pitman 40 of the channeling machine 11. On the channeling machine 13, the frame 49, the bolt 50, and the pitman 51 correspond respec* tively to the frame 15, bolt 15, and pitinan 40 of the channeling machine 11.

1 will now describe the mounting of the channeling machines 11, 12 and 13 respectively on truck 5, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, beginning with channeling machine 11. Extending upwardly from the truck frame 5, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, is a post 52 having a. vertical socket to receive the vertical shaft 53 which may be adjusted vertically by the long bolt 54 passing upwardly through the truck and the center of the post 52 to bear against the bottom of the shaft 53. After the latter has been adjusted in position by means of the bolt 54, it may be held rigidly in adjusted position by the set screw 55. The upper end of the shaft 53 is provided with a transverse slot to receive the bar 55 and hold the same horizontal. The bar 56 may be adjusted relatively to the shaft 53 and rigidly secured in adjusted position by means of the set screw 57. At the outer end of the bar 56 is adjustably pivoted a bracket 58 to swing on a vertical axis. The bracket 53 may be rigidly locked to the bar 56 in various adjusted Liositions by the set screw 59 and nut 30. djustably mounted on the bracket 53 is'an arm 61, the meeting faces at the place of j )ivotal connection between the arm 61 and bracket 58 being serrated to permit the arm 61 to be more rigidly secured in adjusted position by means of the bolt G2. The outer end of the arm 61 is provided with a bearing to receive the bolt 31 which extends laterally from the frame 15 and to which it is rigidly secured. Journaled on the bearing 16 is a bell crank 63, as shown in Fig. 2, this bell crank being connected to the pitman 40 by means of a horizontal bearing G4 which is ournaled into the inember 42 of the pitnian, as shown more clear y in Fig. A parallel rod G5 is pivotally connected to the bell crank 63 at 66, as shown in Fig. 2. The rod 55 is pivot-ally connected at 67 at its other end, with the bracket 53. rlhis parallel rod coperates with the bar 61 and the bell crank 63 to maintain the bearing G4 parallel with the axis of the gear wheel 35 in the various positions to which the channeling machine is adj usted.

1 will now describe the mounting for the channeling machine 13, before describing that for the channeling machine 12, because the mounting for the channeling machine 13 more nearly resembles the mounting forl the channeling machine 11. lilounted on the truck 5, is a bracket 70 having a slot G3 through which extends bolt for rig-- idly securing the bracket 70 to the truck fram-e 5 in adjusted positions. Extending upwardly from the bracket yTO is a vertical post 71 which has a socket for receiving the vertical shaft 72. The latter may be adjusted vertically by means of the long bolt 7 3, and locked in any desired position b v the set screw 74, as shown in 2. ilrdjustably mounted on the shaft 72 is an arm 75,

in Fig. 1.

the meeting faces between the upper end of the shaft 72 and the arm 75 being serrated for secure locking` by the bolt 76, as shown The outer end of the arm 7 5 is provided with a bearing in which is journaled a horizontal shaft 50 extending laterally from the frame 49, whic-h is the main frame of the channeling` machine itself. Mounted on the bearing' shaft 50, is a bell crank 77, as shown in Fig. 3. This bell crank is provided with a suitable pivotal connection to the pitn'ian 41. A parallel rod 78 extends from the bell crank 77 n to the shaft 72, being pivotally connected at 79 to the bell crank 77 and at 80 to the shaft 72, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

l will now describe the mounting` for the channeling1 machine 12. Extending upwardly from the truck 5, is a post 81 having a socket to receive the vertical shaft 82, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, it being partly broken away in 2. r1`he sha-ft 82 may be adjusted vertically by the long bolt 83 and locked in any desired position by the set screw 84, as shown in Fig. 2. in arin 85, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, is adjustably mounted on the upper end of the shaft 82, the meeting faces at the pivotal connection between the arm 85 and shaft 82 being serrated for secure locking' by the bolt 86. Adjustably mounted at the outer end of the arm 85 is a frame 87, as shown in Fig'. 3, which may be locked in various positions relative to the arm 85 by means of the bolt 88. The frame 87 is provided with a bearing` to receive the pivot pin 47 of the frame 46, as shown in Fig. 3. The frame 87 is also provided with an arm 89 pivotally connected at 90 to the pitman 48.

The description of that part of the appa-- ratus for forming the blocks, now being` completed, l will describe the part of the apparatus for holdingl the blocks while being severed, and handling' and placing the blocks in position after they severed.

Pivotally mounted on the truck 6 by means of the standard 91, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, is the frame 92 on which are mounted the arms 93 and 94 by means of a pivot pin 95. The arms are made in the form of bell cranks having' crank pins 96 and 97 forged on or otherwise attached to them. Connected to the crank pins 96 and 97 are two fluid pressure motors, the piston rods 98 and 99 of which are pivotally connected to said crank pins. The pist-on rods 98 and 99 are respectively connected to suit-able pistons in the cylinders 100 and 101, monnted on the frame 92 by means of the pivot pin 102. The means for conduct sure fluid to the cylinders such pressure fluid for the operation o.. piston rods 98 and 99, may be such as is alA ready known to those skilled in the livotally mounted at the outer ends of the parallel arms 93 and 94 on the .pivot pin 103, as shown in Fig. 3, is the l.shaped frame 104, shown in Fig. 2, on which is pivotally mounted at the outer end of the horizontal portion thereof, the circular plate 105. The pivotal connection between. the circular plate and the fram-e 104 is effected by means of the depending bearing 106, washer 107, and pin 108.

Mounted parallel with the arms 98 and 94, is a pair of parallel bars 109 and 110 connecting` the L-shaped frame 104 and the frame 92 by means of pivot pins-111 and 112 respectively, as shown in Fig. 2.

Mounted on the frame 92 and facing downward, is a bevel friction wheel 11?.

`Fivotally mounted on the truck 6 by means of a. standard 114, is the frame 115 on which are pivotally mounted two long cylinders 116 and 117, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The cylinders 116 and 117 are pivotally connected to the frame 115 by means of the pin 118 extending through bosses projecting rearwardly from the ends of the cylinders. rlhe piston rods 119 and 120, which work respectively in the cylinders 116 and 117, extend out a considerable distance and are provided with l.- or hook-shaped ends, as shown in Fig. 1. rl`he piston rod 120 is considerably longer than the piston rod 119. Both piston rods -may be prevented from turning with respect to the cylinders by any of the several well-known means used for that purpose. Pivotally mounted on the frame 115 in line with and rearwardly of the long,` cylinders 116 and 117, by means of the pin 121, as shown in Fig. 1, are the cylinders 122 and 123. The piston rod 124 of the cylinder 122 is pivotally connected to the long cylinder 116 by means of a pin 125 extending through ears projecting upwardly at about right angles to the cylinder 116 and cast or otherwise attached thereto, and the piston rod 126 of the' cylinder 123 is pivotally connected to the cylinder 117 by means of a pin 127 extending through ears projecting` upwardly at about right angles to the cylinder 117, as shown in Fig. 3. These upwardly projecting ears may be cast integrally with or otherwise attached to the cylinder 117. All of the above mentioned pistons are operated by fluid pressure in the respective cylinders. The conveyance of the pressure fluid to the cylinders and its control, may be by any now well-known means. ll/lounted on the frame 115 and facing downwardly, is a bevel friction wheel 128.

Mounted on the truclt 6, is an electric motor 129, as shown in Fig. 1, which drives a shaft 130, the latter being supported on the truck 6 by bearings in the standards 91 and 114 and bearing 131 at its outer end, as shown in 2. This shaft 130 carries two pairs of bevel friction pinions 182, 183 and 134, 135 all positively driven by suitable feathers on the shaft 130. rEhe friction pinions 132 and 133 are arranged to be controlled by levers 136 and 137 pivoted on the truclr frame and connected together by a handle bar 133, as shown in Fig. 1. The bevel friction pinions 131 and 135 are arranged to be controlled by levers 139 and 140 pivoted on the truclr frame 6 and con nected together by a handle bar 1411. rllhe friction pinions 132 and 133 are arranged to engage, one at a time, the bevel friction wheel 113 on opposite sides of its vertical axis, and the friction pinions 13flA and 135 are arranged to engage one at a time the bevel friction wheel v128 on opposite sides of its vertical axis. 1t should be understood that the bevel friction pinions 132, 133, 134, and 135 are slidable longitudinally of the shaft 130 and are splined to the shaft to rotate therewith, so that when the motor 129 is operated, all of its bevel friction pinions will be rotated.

Having now referred'to the essential details of the apparatus, 1 will briefly describe the operation thereof. rEhe truclr 5 being moved to the desired position on the track, the clamp 10 is secured to the rail adjacent the mine wall by turning the hand wheel shown in Fig. 3, thus anchoring the truck against movement along the track and against vibration during the operation of the channeling machines. The channeling machines are then adjusted to the desired positions, approximately as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, which will determine the size of the block that may be cut. The truck 6 is now placed in the desired position on the track and the circular plate 105 so placed that it may be pressed upwardly under that portion of the material that is to be formed into a block. By referring` to Figs. 1 and 2, it will be seen that when the motor 129 is operated, and the hand bar 13S is moved in the proper direction, the pinion 132 .or 133 may be connected to the friction gear 113 so as to turn the frame 92 on its vertical aXis. 1n this manner the frame 92, together with the parts carried thereby, including the circular plate 105, may be swung around under the material from which a bloclr is to be cut. This position is illustrated in the upper left-hand portion of Fig. 1. By referring to Fig. 2, it will be seen that when the circular plate 105 has been brought under the material to be cut, the fluid pressure motors 100 and 101 may be operated so as to retract the piston rods 98 and 99 and thus swing upwardly the parallel motion mechanism 93, 94, 109, 110 and thus effect vertical rectilinear movement of the frame 101 and the plate 105. By means of this operation, pressure may be exerted against the bottom of the material, so that when the block is dislodged it will be held at the proper elevation. 1t is desirable to hold the readme material until it has `been completely cut away from the unmined mass, because otherwise it might break away of its own weight before it was completely cut, and then the desired regular blocks would not be obtained. Since the blocks are to be used for roof propping purposes, it is desired to hold the material until it has been completely cut out and thus secure plane surfaces for contact with the fioor and roof and between the blocks, as shown in Fig. 3.

11s soon as the block is severed, the chanheling machines are moved to such positions as to permit the truck 5 to be moved along the track releasing the clamp 10. The channeling machines 12 and 13 lmay simply be withdrawn to their initial positions, but the channeling machine 11 shouldbe swung around so that the ,truck 5 can be moved forward to its new cuttingvposition. rfter the truck -5 Vhas been moved forward, the frame 92, together with the parts carried thereby, including the plate 195 and the bloclr of cut material thereon, may be swung on the vertical axis 91 to the left-hand dotted line position shown in Fig. 1. The block of material maythen be placed in the positions indieated at and 144e in Figs. 1 and 3. The frame 92, together with the parts carried thereby, including the plate 105,and the block thereon, may be swung around from the unmined mass by the electric motor 129 connected through the friction gearing the frame 92, as 'shown in Fig. 2. By operating` the fluid pressure motors 100 and 101, the block of material may be lifted or lowered as it is desire l. 1t should also be noted that the block of cut material, while on the circular plate 105, may be swung around desired on the vertical pivot 106, and then pushed off the circular plate. The block of material may be manipulated by the hooked piston rods 119 and 120 which work in the cylinders 116 and 117. The piston rods 119 and 120 are operable independu ently of each other, so that they may be brought into the positions shown by the dotted lines 1115 and 1116 at the lower left-hand portion of 1. 1n other words, the hooks on the piston rods 119 and 120 may be applied to opposite vertical faces of the block. 1n this manner the block may be gripped and liften or pushed off the plate 105 and then placed in roof propping position. 1f the plate 105, after being moved to that side of the truclr remote from the mine wall, is let down to the floor, the piston rods 119 and 120 may be used to push the block of material off the plate 105 onto the floor and then slide the block to its desired position by simultaneous operation of the Huid pressure motors 116 and 117. Furthermore, if the motors 116 and 117 are operated independently of each other, so as to obtain a very iirm grip of the hooked rods 119 and 120 on the block, and the rods are then locked in gripping position, the block of material may be lifted independently of the plate 105 by operation of the motors 122 and 123. it should also be noted that the motors 11G and 117 are arranged to be tilted up and down independently of each other because they are separately pivoted and separately operable by the motors 122 and 123. This arrangement assures flexibility of the handling of the blocks, because the hooked rods may be forced against the blocks wherever desired to' secure the best results. ll1 or instance, the hooked rod 119 may engage the lower face of a block and the hook 120 may engage the opposite face at a higher elevation, and thus hold the block in a somewhat tilted position while being moved to the place in the mine where it is to act as a roof prop.

lt should also be noted that after the blocks are cut, they may be placed on a framework adjacent the track on which the cutting and handling apparatus is mounted, so that such blocks may be transported to a distant place in the mine.

After the truck 5 has been moved forward to a new position, it may be again fastened to the track by means of the clamp 10' while the previously cut block is being moved to roof propping position. rlhe channeling` machines 12 and 13 may therefore begin working on the nextblock without any delay whatever, even before the previously severed block is removed from its cut position. rlhe channeling` machine 11 may be brought into operation in the new position of the trucl; 5 while the previously cut block of material is being` disposed of. A blockinay be partly severed without having the platforn'i 105 in place under it, but the platform should be placed under the material before it is entirely severed and before there is any danger of the block breaking away from the unmined mass by reason of its own weight. The platform 105 is therefore cleared of the previously cut block before the new block` is completely cut, The cutting mechanism therefore depends for the completion of its cycle of operation, upon the platform 105 bebrought into proper position under the block of material before it tends to break awav of its own weight.

rlhe three channeling machines designated 11, 12 and 13, comprise rotary drills which are automatically oscillated. rlhe elec-tric motors 2O rotate the drilling tools and at the same time the shaft 26 is rotated by the worm gear mechanism 21, 22, 23 shown in Fig. 2. ..-his causes the gear 36 of Fig. 3 to be rotated, and when this occurs the gear 29 will be rotated to lift and lower the pawl 31, shown in Figs. 1 and 3. rllhis will cause the ratchel wheel 341 to be moved around step by step and therefore correspondingly move the screw-threaded rod 32 and thereby grad-v ually feed the drills 19 into the unmined mass. It should also be noted that when the gear 36 is rotated, it will cause the whole channeling machine to be oscillated on the pivot 16. rlhe lower end of the pitman 40 held stationary by the supporting mechanism shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, when the gear 36 rotates, the rear end of the channeling machine must be lifted and lowered, as determined by the position of the upper end of the pitman connection in the slot 37. The drills are therefore swung up and down while heilig individually rotated and While being fed gradually into the unmined mass. The channeling machine 13 is also oscillated on a horizontal pivot 50 in a similar manner. The channeling machine 12 has an upright pivot 47 so that the channeling` machine may be oscillated laterally on thisupright pivot 47. The channeling` machines may be adjusted to cut lrerfs in a mine wall to completely sever a block of material of a predetermined size having upper and lower iiat surfaces so as to adapt the blocks of material to be superposed to form roof supports as illustrated at the left-hand portion of Fig. 3. By referring to this view, it will be seen that the channeling machine 11 which cuts the back lierf may be adjusted by sliding the bar 56 along the standard 53 and then fastening the bar in adjusted position, as shown in Fig. 1.

By referring to Fig. 2, it will be seen that by means of screw-threaded bolts 54, 7 3 and 83, the three korf cutting machines may be individually adjusted in elevation. Each kerf cutting machine is therefore mounted for individual pivotal adjustment as well as individual adjustment in elevation.

The kerf at the roof may be cut by swinging the channeling machine 12 on the pivot S1 for each new cutting position. In a similar manner, the back herf, as shown in Fig. 1, may be cut by adjusting the channeling machine 11 on the pivot 58 to various cutting positions. Or if the channeling machine 11 has been adjusted at 53 and 58 so that the tool will be approximately hori- Zontal when in mid-position, new cutting positions may be obtained by swinging adjustment 62. rihe upper kerf may be cut at the same time that the other two herfs are being cut, or, if desired, the vertical kerfs may rst be out and subsequently the upper lierf cut. ln any event, the platform 105should always be in position to receive the'blocl of coal immediately after dislodgment. Y

lt is desirable to cut the blocks of coal with upper and lower flat surfaces and of uniform size so that they may be used as pillars between the floor and roof of the mine, as shown at the left-hand portion of Fig. 3, thus Vaffording efficient roof props in the mine chamber. While the machine may be used for moving blocks of coal in this manner, the principal object is to cut blocks of foreign material such as stone, and use the same as roof props between the fioor and roof of a coal mine. rfhis may, in many instances, save a great deal of time and eXpense in securing and waiting for timbering which, furthermore, would not be as strong as roof props of stone. Because the channeling machines can operate to out out a block in its entirety while being held in position by the handling` apparatus, the blocks remaining intact is assured. Not only is the block of material supportedI on a platform for movement to Vthe other side of the track, but angle-bars are provided for engaging the front and rear sides of the block of material. These angle-bars are operated by fluid pressure motors for pushing and pulling, and lifting and lowering the angle-bars. The latter are independently controllable by means of the valve levers' shown in Figs. l and 2. These levers control the flow of the pressure iiuid to and from the cylinders at the sides of the pistons therein. The fluid pressure motors 122 and 123 are'for the purpose oflifting and lowering the angle-bars, and the motors 116 and 11T are forthe purpose of moving the anglebar'sforwardly and rearwardly. These angleb'ars may be moved independentlyv of each other so 4as to be adjustable to'various sizes of blocks. ln any event, the anglebars may be operated to firmly grip the i bloclr of material so as to holdY it if desired independently of the platform, and thus enable the angle-bars tocarry the block of material to the proper location and then adjust it to the propel' height so that it may be wedged into place between the lower block 14st and the roof.

rl`he platform 105 carries the block of material as soon as dislodged, and as soon as the platform 105 is swiveled or pivoted at 100 the block of material may be turned after being moved away from the mine wall. Then the angle-bars may be operated to proper position to grip the block of material at its forward and bach sides between the upper and lower flat surfaces so as not to interfere in any way with the operation of placing the block of material in proper po sition. l prefer to have the channeling apparatus or lrerf-cutting mechanism mounted on one truck and the block-handling apparatus on another truck. These trucks ma be coupled together at 8, 9 when desired. By mounting the handling apparatus on a separate truck, the korf-cutting apparatus may be moved forward to a new position and operation begun innnediately while the handling apparatus is moving the block of severed material to the opposite side of the track. Furthermore, when the forward truck 5 is moved to itsl new position, theV standards 81 and 52 will be moved out of the way of the block of severed material. rlherefore, without moving the truck 6 back, the block of severed material may be swung to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 1 after the truck 5 has been moved forward to its new position. After the truck 5 is moved forward to a new position when the.

block of material is severed, the link 8 is nevertheless detached from the hook 9 and the truck 6 moved back so that no mechanism on the forward truck will interfere with the .free swinging of the platform 105 and the material thereon, to the other side of the track. lt should also be noted that in some instances the lierfs need not be cut to such a. depth as to actually intersect each other. For instance, the roof kerf might be cut to such a depth as to insure an upper flat surface, and the vertical lrerfs cut to such an extent to effect the dislodgment of the block by its own weight when the platform 105 is lowered somewhat.

lt should also be noted that the channeling machines are initially mounted so as to be quickly available for cutting the lrerfs de- Sired to effect the dislodgment of a block of material of a predetermined size, and which is adaptable for a roof prop between the floor and roof of the mine chamber. The conditions under which the machine is most useful are such that the flexibility of adjustment of the various channeling maohines` is particularly desirable. rlhe apparatus is particularly designed for dislodging blocks of foreign material, such as stone, in a coal mine, such blocks of stone being` used to act as roof props, thus economizing in the time and material. usually necessary for prop; ping up the roof of a coal'mine.V If stone is not available, blocks of coal. may be cut *to serre as roof props, but whenever possible, blocks of stone are cut instead of coal, and for cutting such stone the charmeliiig machines' shown are most practicable.. The cha-nnelin machines are separately mounted for individual operation so as to secure greater iiexibility ef adjustment of each machine, and sot-hatthe three channeling machines may be adyusted in position for operation on the thickness of stone which happens to be available.; In Fig. 3 the block of stone being removed is shown extending down midway between the floor and roof, but it should be understood that inmany instances the stone could be cut as slabs from the roof of the mine chamber abo-ve the vein of coal which has been removed. ln other instances, the blocks of stone may be cut, as shown in Fig. 3, from the wall adjacent a vein of coal which has been removed.

it should also be noted that the platform serves double function, in that it holds the material intact until completely cut ori nearly so, and supports the material and carries it as soon as dislodged. The platform may then 4be moved to carry the block of material away from the mine wall without any work by the operator except to actuate the operating levers of the valve mechanism. The gripping mechanism then controlled by the operator so as to en ge opposite upright surfaces of the block of material and move it into roof propping position. T he block of material may be completely removed by the channeling machines and the carrier operated so as to swing the block of material directly from its native position and the gripping mechanism then operated to move the block of coal into roof propping position. rllhe entire operation is therefore performed by power-operated mechanism.

Obviously those skilled in the art may make various changes in the details and arrangement of parts herein disclosed, without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention as defined by the claims, and l desire therefore not to be restricted to the exact construction shown and described.

Vhat l claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a mining and handling system, the combination with a carrier, of a supporting frame, means on said frame for holding said carrier at a predetermined elevation, mechanism for dislodging from a mine wall a block of material onto said carrier, and means for operating said carrier to transfer the block of material away from the mine wall in a general horizontal direction to a position spaced therefrom in a general horizontal direction in a minechamber.

2. In a mining and handling system, the combination with a carrier, of means for supporting said carrier Vat various elevations, mechanism for dislodging a block of material onto said carrier from a position in a mine wall above said carrier, and means for operating said carrier to move the block of material in a general horizontal direction to a position spaced bacl; from the minewall.

3. In a mining and handling system, the combination with mechanism for dislodging a block of material to have upper and lower surfaces relatively inclined to form a wedge, of a carrier for supporting and receiving the dislodged block of material directly from its native position in a mine chamber, means for operating said carrier to move the same to a position spaced from the mine wall, and mechanism for engaging the block without obstructing the upper and lower surfaces thereof, for moving said block from the carrier into roof propping position between the roof of the mine chamber and another block of material on thefloor of the mine chamber.

4. In mining and handling apparatus, the combination with mechanism for dislodging a wedge-shaped block of material, of a carrier adapted to be moved into position for receiving the dislodged block of material intact as soon as dislodged, means for operating said carrier, and means for moving the block of material from the carrier.

5. ln mining and handling apparatus, the combination withy a platform, of parallel motion mechanism for supporting said platform in a substantially horizontal position, mechanism for dislodging a large block of material intact onto said platform, and means for moving said platform to carry the block of material away from the mine wall.

6. ln mining and handling apparatus, the combination with a carrier, of means for moving the same against the bottom of an unmined mass of material, mechanism for dislodging from the unmined mass above the said carrier and onto the same, a large block of material having upper and lower flat surfaces, and means for operating said carrier for moving the dislodged block of material away from the mine wall in a general horizontal direction.

7. In mining and handling apparatus, the combination with a carrier, of mechanism for dislodging from its native bed onto said carrier a large bloclr of material having a lower fiat surface, means for operating said carrier to transfer the dislodged block of material away from the unmined mass in a `general horizontal direction, and mechanism for engaging opposite upright surfaces of said block of material to move the latter from said carrier into a predetermined position.

8. ln mining and handling apparatus, the combination with a carrier, of mechanism for dislodging onto said carrier a large block of material having upper and lower flat surfaces,`of means for operating said carrier to move the block of material away from the unmined mass in a general horizontal direction, and mechanism for engaging opposite upright surfaces of the block to move the same into a predetermined position.

9. In mining and handling apparatus, the combination with a platform, of means for holding said platform in substantially horizontal position at various elevations along a previously cut surface below material to'be dislodged, kerf-cutting mechanism for cutting kerfs in intersecting planes to effect dislodgment of a block of material onto said platform, means for swinging said platform to transfer the dislodged material away from the mine wall, and mechanism for engiJ` ging opposite upright surfaces of said block and moving the same from said platform .into a predetermined roof propping position between the floor and roof of the mine chamber.

10. In mining and handling apparatus, the combination with a supporting frame, of a platform pivoted thereto, means for dislodging a block of material into position to be carried by said platform, and mechanism for engaging opposite surfaces of said bloclr of material to move the said block from said platform into a predetermined position in the mine chamber.

11. ln mining and handling apparatus, the combination with a forward truck mounted on wheels adapted to run on a track, of propelling mechanism on the forward truck, means for holding the forward truck from movement along the track, herfcutting mechanism mounted on the forward truck for cutting herfs in intersecting planes to effect the dislodginent of a block of ma.- terial, a rear truck mounted on wheels adapted to run on the same track and adapted to be detachably connected to the forward truck, a platform adapt-ed to support the block of material during the operation of said lierf-cutting mechanism and after being dislodged, framework mounted on said rear truck to swing on an upright axis and connected to said platform to hold the same in substantially horizontal position at various elevations, means mounted on the rear truck for swinging said frame to more the block of material away from its native position, and mechanism mounted on said rear truck to swing on an upright axis in position to engage opposite upright surfaces of said block to move the latter from said platform into roof propping position between the floor and roof of the mine chamber at a position spaced from the original location of said block.

1Q. ln mining and handling apparatus, the combination with a plurality of herfeutting machines, of a supporting frame, means for mounting each of said korf-cutting machines for universal adjustment relative to said supporting` frame, means for operating said kerf-cutting machines to eut kerfs in intersecting planes to effect the dislodgment of a block of material from the unmined mass, a carrier for receiving the dislodged material, and means for Voperating said carrier to move the block Yof material away from the mine wall.

13. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of lerfcutting mechanism mounted on said frame for cutting kerfs in intersecting` planes to effect the dislodgment of a block of material of a predetermined size trom the unmined mass in the mine chamber, and means on said supporting frame for receiving` the dislodged block of material from its native position.

14. ln a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of hert-cutting mechanism mounted thereon for cutting kerfs in intersecting planes -to effect dislodgment from an unmined in a mine chamber of successive sections of material, each of a predetermined size, and means for anchoring the supporting` frame during the operation of said hert-cutting mechanism.

15. In a mining machine, the combination with a portable truck comprising wheels adapted to run on a mine'track, of kerf-cutting mechanism mounted on said truck in position to cut kerfs in intersecting planes in a mine, and means for adjustin the herfcutting mechanism on horizontal and upright axes to positions to enable the dislcdgment of a block of material of a predetermined size.

16. ln a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of kerf-cutting mechanism mounted thereon and means for operating said korf-cutting mechanism to dislodge from mine wall a block of material of a predetermined size bounded by substantially flat surfaces including upper and lower flat surfaces.

17. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of cutting mechanism mounted thereon, means for mounting said cutting mechanism on said frame in position to completely dislodge blocks of n'iaterial from a mine roof, and means tor operating said cutting mechanism to dislodge from a mine roof sections of material of sizes suitable for superposed positions as roof supports in the mine chamber.

18. ln a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of korf-cutting inechanisn'i mounted thereon, means for mounting said hert-cutting mechanism on said supporting frame in various adjustable positions, and means for operating said korf-cutting mechanism to dislodge from the mine roof sections of material of predetermined size and having upper and lower flat surfaces to enable said sections to be superposed as roof supports in the mine chamber.

19. ln a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a plurality of kerf-cutting machines mounted thereon, means for adjusting each of said korf-cutting machines to cut a lerf intersecting the kerfs of the other hert-cutting machines, and mechanism for operating said' korf-cutting machines individually to cut intersecting kerfs to effect the dislodgment of a block of material from an upright mine wall.

20. In mining machine, the combination with a truck adapted to be supported on a mine track, of a plurality of individual hert-cutting machines mounted on saidV truck in position to cut kerfs in intersecting planes, means on said truck for anchoring the same to the track, and mechanism for effecting the operation of said hert-cutting machines individually to cut such intersecting lerfs and thereby effect the dislodgment of a block of material.

2l. A mining and handling apparatus comprising mechanism for dislodging a solid mass of material from a mine wall, a supporting frame, means mounted thereon and extending therefrom in position to support such mass of material while being dislodged and for receiving such material trom its native position upon dislodgment, means for operating said supporting and receiving means by moving the same relatively to said frame to move the dislodged mass or' material away from its original position in its native bed in a general horizontal direction, and means for placing the dislodged mass of material into rootl supporting position in the mine chamber.

22. A mining and handling system comprising a plurality of individual and independently operable hert-cutting machines for dislodgipg'from a mine wall a mass of material of a predetermined shape and size, a frame for supporting said hert-cutting machines, and means operable in the mine chamber between the door and roof thereof for moving the dislodged section intact from its native position in the upright mine wall in a general horizontal direction to a position spaced back from the mine wall.

23. A mining and handling system comprising a plurality of individual separately operable hert-cutters for dislodging from a mine wall a block of material bycutting kerfs in intersecting planes, a :trame for supporting said hert-cutters in cooperative relation to each other, and handling apparatus for effecting the transfer of said block from various elevations at an upright mine wall between the floor and roof of the mine chamber mechanically back of such positions in a general horizontal direction toward loading position.

24. A mining and handling apparatus comprising supporting framework, mechanism mounted on one section of said framework for cutting keriis in a mine wall to effect the dislodgment of a block of material of a predetermined shape and size, and means mounted on the other section of said `framework in position for automatically taking the dislodged material from the mine wall where cut and eecting the transiter thereoil in a general horizontal direction to a position spaced from the mine wall.

25. ln a mining and handling machine, the combination with individual herr-cutters, of a frame for supporting said kerrcutters in coperative relation to each other to cut kerfs in intersecting planes about a block of material to be dislodged, means for operating said hert-cutters to effect the dislodgment of a section of material of a predetermined shape and size, mechanism for supporting such section of material in substantially the space originally occupied thereby in its native bed, and means for operating said supporting mechanism to carry the section or material away from the mine wall in a general horizontal direction to a position spaced therefrom and' while said frame, together with said lericutters, is being moved to a new cutting position.

26. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a plurality of hert-cutters mounted thereon in coperative relation to each other, means for adjusting each of said hert-cutters individually into position to cut a keri intersecting the kerfs of the other hert-cutters, and mechanism individual to each of said hert-cutters for operating the same to out upright intersecting kerfs and an upper transverse kerf in a general horizontal direction intersecting the other lerfs to effect the dislodgment of a block of material of a predetermined shape and ize from' a mine wall adjacent the roof of the mine chamber.

27. In a mining machine, the combination with a plurality of hert-cutters, of a frame for supporting said hert-cutters in coperative relation to each other, means for adjusting each of said hert-cutters relatively to said frame on horizontal and vertical' axes, and mechanism for eliecting the oper ation of said korf-cutters to cut kerts in intersecting planes to dislodge such block of material.

28. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of kerfecutting mechanism mounted on said frame for cutting kerfs in intersecting planes to dislodge a block of material of a predetermined shape and size from an upright mine wall, and means for operating said hert-cutting mechanism to cut such keris and assure the formation of flat surfaces on two opposite sides of the block of material to make'the latter suitable for superposing as to such fiat surfaces between the floor and roof of the mine chamber to form roof props.

29. ln a miningl machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of three separate independently operable kertcutters mounted on said supporting frame in cooperative relation to each other, one in position to cnt an upright kerf substantially at right angles to an upright mine wall, another in position to cut an upright kort spaced back 'from thev face of a mine wall in a plane intersecting the plane of the tiret-mentioned lrerf, and the third machine in a position to i cut a transverse hert in a general horizontal direction in a plane intersecting the two upright kerfs, and means for operating said machines to effect the dislodgment of a block of material of a predetermined shape and size bounded by said kerfs.

30. ln a mining machine, the combination with a wheeled supporting frame adapted to travel on a mine track, of kerf-cutting mechanism mounted on said frame and eX- tending from one side thereof in position to cut a Y plurality of kerfs in intersecting planes, means for operating s aid kerf-cut-` ting mechanism to effect the dislodgment of a block of material of a predetermined shape and size and having flat surfaces on opposite sides, and means on said wheeled frame for gripping the rail of the track on that side of the said frame from which the kerf-cutt-ing mechanism extends.

3l. In a mining machine, the combination with a truck adapted to travel on a mine track, of kerf-cutting mechanism mounted on said truck in position to cut kerfs in intersecting planes, means for operating said kerf-cutting mechanism to effect the dislodgnieiit of a block of material of. a predetermined shape and size and having opposite fiat surfaces, and means mounted on the truck for gripping one of the rails of the track for rigidly anchoring the truck to the track to prevent movement of the truck longitudinally of the track and tilting of such truck relativelv to the track.

32. in a mining and handling apparatus, the combination with a supporting frame, of means mounted on said frame in position to dislodge from an uiimined mass a solid block of material having flat surfaces on opposite sides thereof, mechanism for operating said dislodging means to form such block of material of a predetermined shape and size, and apparatus in position f or receiving the dislodged block of material directly from its native position and moving such block of material away from the unmined mass toward a position where it can be used to assist in supporting the roof of the mine chamber.

33. In mining` and handling apparatus, the combination with a supporting frame, of means mounted on said frame in position to dislodge from an uninined mass a block of material having opposite flat surfaces, mechanism for operating said dislodging means to produce a block of material of a predetermined shape and size, means for supporting the block of material while being dislodged and for receiving the material upon being dislodged, mechanism for moving the supporting means to carry the dislodged block of material away from the unmined mass, and means for setting the block of material in roof supporting position.

34. In mining and handling apparatus,

the combination with a supporting frame, of mechanism mounted thereon in position to dislodge a block of material from a mine roof, means for operating said dislodging mechanism to effect the dislodgment of a section of material of a predetermined size and shape, and handling apparatus for receiving the dislodged section directly from its original cut position and moving such section into roof supporting position.

ln mining' and handling apparatus, the combination withV a supporting frame, of cutting mechanism mounted thereon in position to dislodge a section of material from a mine roof, means for operating said cutting mechanism to out a section of material of a predetermined shape and size, and apparatus for supporting the material while being cut and placing the sections in superposed roof supporting positions.

36. in mining and handling apparatus, the combination with supporting framework, of a platforn'i, means for carrying` said platform on said frame in position to support a section of material dislodged from the roof of a mine, and self-acting power mechanism for adjusting the elevation of said platform to supportI such dislodged section and for varying the elevation of said section.

37. ln mining and handling apparatus, the combination with supporting framework, of a horizontal platform, mechanism for supporting said platform at various elevations while maintaining` it in horizontal positions throughout the range of its vertical adjustments, and self-acting power mechanism for operating said platform to support a section of material at the roof of the mine chamber and carrying such section of material away from its native position and lowering it to a position adjacent the licor of the mine chamber.

38. ln mining and handling apparatus, the combination with supporting framework, of a horizontal platform, parallel motion mechanism for supporting said platform in horizontal positions at various elevations, and power mechanism for operating said parallel motion mechanism to cause said platform to support a section of material in an elevated positionand lowering such section of material to a position adjacent the Hoor of the mine chamber.

39. ln mining and handling apparatus, the combination with a supporting frame, of a platform, means pivotally connected between said frame and said platform to support the platform in horizontal positions at various elevations, and fluid pressure mechanism mounted on said frame for actuating said pivotally connected means to move said platform with the section of material thereon from elevated positions to a position adjacent the floor of the mine chamber.

40. In mining and handling apparatus, the combination with a supporting frame, of a horizontal platform, means mounted on the upper surface of said supporting frame for carrying said platform at various elevations above said frame and below the upper surface thereof, and means mounted on said frame for actuating said carrying means to adjust the elevation of said platform with material thereon from positions in planes above the upper surface of said supporting frame to positions in planes below the upper surface of said supporting frame.

4l. In mining and handling apparatus, the combination with a supporting frame, of a platform for receiving sections of material from the roof of a mine chamber, adjustable mechanism on said supporting` frame for carrying said platform, means for swinging said adjustable mechanism together with said platform relatively to said supporting frame on an upright axis, and means on said supporting frame for operating said adjustable mechanism to lower the said platform to a position adjacent the ioor of the mine chamber.

42. In mining and handling apparatus, the combination with a truck adapted to travel on a mine track, of a platform, mechanism mounted on said truck for supporting said platform together with material thereon at various elevations in planes above the upper surface of said truck, means mounted on said truck for swinging the platform with material thereon relatively to said truck on an upright axis, and power mechanism for actuating the platform supporting mechanism to lower the said platform with the material thereon from elevated positions relatively to said truck to positions in planes below the upper surface of said truck.

43. In mining and handling apparatus, the combination with a truck adapted to travel on a mine track, of a frame mounted on said truck for swinging movement on an u rio'ht axis, a horizontal latform ada ted P e P P to support blocks of material at the mine roof, parallel motion mechanism pivotally connected to said frame and pivotally connected to said platform to hold the latter in horizontal positions at various elevations, motor mechanism on said frame and connected to said parallel motion mechanism to actuate the latter to lift and lower said platform while the latter is retained in horizontal position, a motor mounted on said truck, and power transmission mechanism between said last-named motor and said frame for swinging the latter on its upright axis together with said parallel motion mechanism and said platform to effect the carrying of the block of material away from the unmined mass to a position where it can be lowered to the mine floor at one side of said truck.

44. In mining and handling apparatus, the combination with supporting framework, of cutting mechanism mounted thereon for forming a section from solid material in its native bed in a mine chamber, and means comprising a horizontal platform mounted on said framework in position for engaging the material to hold the same in place during the operation of said cutting mechanism and until in readiness to be dislodged.

45. In apparatus for mining roof props, the combination with supporting framework, of cutting mechanism mounted thereon, means for operating said cutting mechanism to cut from an upright wall of a mine chamber a section of material adapted to act as a roof prop between the floor and roof of a mine chamber, and means mounted on said framework in position to hold the sec-l tion of material in place during the operation of said cutting mechanism and until in readiness to be dislodged.

46. In a mining machine, the combination with supporting framework, of apparatus mounted thereon for blocking out a section of material from an upright wall in a mine, means mounted on said framework for holding such blocked out section in place until dislodged, and mechanism mounted on said framework in position for effecting the placing of said section on the door of the mine chamber directly from its original native position.

47. In mining and handling apparatus, the combination with supporting framework, of apparatus mounted thereon for dislodging a block of material from an upright wall in a mine chamber, and power mechanism mounted on said framework for handling said block of material after dislodgment directly from its native position to a position spaced from such wall.

48. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a plurality of individual kerf-cutting machines mounted on said frame, a plurality of universally adjustable supports one for each of said kerfcutting machines each of said universally adjustable supports comprising an upright standard on said frame, a vertical cylinder fitting into the upper end of said standard, a bolt extending through said frame and through said standard to engage the bottom of said cylinder for adjusting the elevation of the kerf-cutting machine, a set screw in the standard for engaging said cylinder and holding the kerf-cutting machine against movement on the upright axis of said cylinder, a horizontal bar extending diametrically through a slot in the upper end of said cylinder, an additional set screw extending 'through the upper end of said cylinder to llO otally connected to the outer end of said horizontal bar for adjustment on an upright axis, a third set screw at the outer end oi said bar for engaging said supplemental frame to hold the latter against swinging movement relatively to said bar, parallel motion mechanism between said supplemental frame and the hert-cutting iachine, a pivotal connection between the hertcutting machine and said parallel motion mechanism, a bracket extending from said pivotal connection, and mechanism i'or e'r'- 'ecting the oscillation of the hert-cutting mechanism on the axis of said pivotal connection during the opera-tion or' said herfcutting mechanism.

49. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, ot a korf cutting machine, an upright standard on said fra-me, cylinder fitting in the upper end oi' said standard, means for adjusting` the elevation of said cylinder, mechanism i'or holding the cylinder in adjusted elevation and against rotary movement relatively to said standard, a horizontal bar mounted on said cylinder vand slidable horizontally relatively thereto, means for holding the bar in adjusted position relative to said cylinder, a supplemental trame pivotally mounted on the outer end of said bar for rotary adjustment on an upright axis, means for holding said supplemental trame in adjusted position relative to said horizontal bar. a bell crank lever pivotally connected to the trame of the kerf-cuttino' machine, parallel links each pivotally connected at one of its ends to said supplemental frame and each pivotally connected at its other end to said bell crank lever, and mechanism connected between said bell crank lever and said kericutting machine for effecting automatic oscillating of the korf-cutting machine during the operation thereof.

50. In a mining machine, the combination with a. main frame, of a supplemental trame mounted on said main frame for adjustment relatively thereto in elevation and arcuatcly as well as radially, mechanism Jfor holding said supplemental frame in adjusted position, a third frame mounted at the outer end of said supplemental trame for rotary adjustment on an upright axis, means for holding said third frame in adjusted position relative to said supplen'iental traine, hert-cutting mechanism pivotally connected to said third frame intermediate the ends thereof, and means connected between said kort-cutting mechanism and the outer end ot said third 'frame remote from the upright axis of rotary adjustment of said third frame, for effecting oscillation of said korfcutting mechanism on its pivotal connection with the said third frame during the operation of said hert-cutting mechanism.

l. In mining and handling apparatus, the combination with supporting framework, of cutting mechanism for eecting the dislodgment of a block of material or' a predetermined shape and size, means in position to receive the block of material from its native position and move such block of material away from the mine wall, and mechanism in position to engage opposite sides oit said block oil material and move the same into root propping position While the upper and lower surfaces remain free and unobstructed.

52. In mining and handling apparatus, the combination with supporting trameworl, of mechanism for removing a block of material from an unmined mass, and apparatus for engaging opposite upright surfaces or' said block and moving the same into roof propping position.

58. In mining and handling` apparatus, the Ycombination with supporting framework, of mechanism for carrying a block of material, and apparatus comprising individually operated devices 'for engaging opposite upright faces of the block ot material and moving the latter from said carrier.

54:. In mining and handling apparatus, the combination with a supporting frame, ot mechanism for engaging opposite upright surfaces ot a block of material, and means r'or operating said engaging mechanism to carry a block of material from a position in planes above said supporting frame to the iioor ot the mine chamber.

55. In mining and handling apparatus, the combination with a truck, of a frame mounted thereon to swing relatively thereto on an upright axis, two individual gripping devices mounted on said frame in position to engage opposite upright surfaces ot a block of material, means for actuating said gripping devices to support such block of material, a motor mounted on the truck, power transmission mechanism 'between said motor and said frame to swing the latter together with said gripping devices and the block of material supporting thereby, and a pair of individually operated motors mounted on said trame in position to swing said gripping devices to lower the block of material from an elevated position to the floor of the mine chamber.

In testimony where t I have signed my name to this specification on this 12th day ot March A. I). 1919.

EDMUND C. MORGAN. 

